Checker nut for locking a threaded body to a threaded rod

ABSTRACT

A checker nut for locking a threaded body to a threaded rod comprises a main body portion having a top bearing surface for engaging a threaded body and radial projections extending from the main body portion. The main body portion includes a central opening with a female thread, the thread for cooperating with threads on a threaded rod. The projections extend beyond the outer periphery of a threaded body to be locked by the checker nut on a threaded rod, the projections providing leverage to a user to tighten the top bearing surface against the threaded body.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a division of application Ser. No. 13/351,916, filed Jan. 17,2012, which is a nonprovisional application of provisional applicationSer. No. 61/433,354, filed Jan. 17, 2011, the priority benefits of whichare hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to fasteners andparticularly to fasteners used to lock anchor bodies on a rod used forconcrete reinforcement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a checker nut for locking a threaded bodyto a threaded rod, comprising a main body portion having a top bearingsurface for engaging a threaded body. The main body portion includes acentral opening with an inside surface. A female thread is disposed onthe inside surface and extends therefrom, the female thread forcooperating with threads on a threaded rod; and the female thread isdisposed on the inside surface a distance from the top bearing surfaceequal to at least a thread portion required to be passed by a threadedbody on a threaded rod.

The present invention also provides a checker nut for locking a threadedbody to a threaded rod, comprising a main body portion having a topbearing surface for engaging a threaded body; and projections extendingfrom the main body portion. The main body portion including a centralopening. A female thread is disposed in the central opening, the threadfor cooperating with threads on a threaded rod; and the projections forextending beyond the outer periphery of a threaded body to be locked bythe checker nut on a threaded rod, the projections providing leverage toa user to tighten the top bearing surface against the threaded body.

The present invention further provides a checker nut for locking athreaded body to a threaded rod, comprising a main body portion having atop bearing surface for engaging a threaded body; the main body portionincluding a central opening. A female thread is disposed in the centralopening, the thread for cooperating with threads on a threaded rod. Astop member is disposed at a bottom portion of the central opening; andthe stop member extends radially inside the central opening.

The present invention further provides a checker nut for locking athreaded body to a threaded rod, comprising a body having a top bearingsurface for engaging a threaded body. The body includes a centralopening. A female thread is disposed in the central opening, the threadfor cooperating with threads on a threaded rod. The body extends beyondthe outer periphery of a threaded body to be locked by the checker nuton a threaded rod to provide leverage to a user to tighten the topbearing surface against the threaded body. The body is deformable todevelop tension in the threaded rod between the thread and the topbearing surface when the body is tightened against the threaded body.

The present invention provides a concrete reinforcement assembly,comprising a threaded rod; an anchor body threaded to the rod; and achecker nut engaged tight against the anchor body to lock the anchorbody in place. The main body portion includes a central opening with acylindrical inside surface. A female thread is disposed on thecylindrical inside surface and extends therefrom, the female thread forcooperating with threads on the threaded rod; and the female thread isdisposed on the cylindrical surface a distance from the top bearingsurface equal to at least one thread required to be passed by the anchorbody on the threaded rod.

The present invention further provides a concrete reinforcementassembly, comprising a threaded rod; an anchor body threaded to the rod;and a checker nut engaged tight against the anchor body to lock theanchor body in place; the checker nut including a main body portionhaving a central opening. A female thread is disposed in the centralopening, the thread for cooperating with threads on the threaded rod. Astop member is disposed at a bottom portion of the central opening; andthe stop member extends radially inside the central opening to engage abottom surface of the threaded rod.

The checker nut embodying the present invention replaces the current useof a second hex nut or jam nut with many features and benefits. Thechecker nut is used adjacent to a threaded body threaded to the same rodas the checker nut to assure complete thread engagement of the threadedbody, since the threaded rod or bolt must first extend completelythrough the threaded body before the checker nut is installed to thethreaded rod.

Cast in place concrete anchors are positioned before concrete is poured.One of the most commonly used anchor methods is a length of threaded rodand two hex nuts. One of the nuts is the primary nut which is designedto resist load or to act as the connecting fastener. The secondary nutalso assures both nuts will not change relative position. The hex nutsare tightened together against each other at one end of the rod. Thepresent invention replaces one of the hex nuts, called the secondarynut, and adds other features and benefits. The checker nut is short inheight, wide in diameter and preferably wider than the adjacent threadedbody or hex nut, color coded and partially threaded.

The checker nut threads onto standard, tapered or other threads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly using a checker nutembodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective of the checker nut shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the checker nut with portion shown incross-section.

FIG. 4 is top plan view of an embodiment of the checker nut.

FIG. 5 is bottom perspective view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the checkernut.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an assembly using anotherembodiment of the checker nut according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of the assembly of FIG. 7, with portions shownin cross-section.

FIG. 9 is a perspective with portions shown in cross-section of anotherembodiment of the checker nut.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the checker nut.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view with portions shown in cross-section ofanother embodiment of the checker nut.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view with portions shown in cross-section

of an assembly using another embodiment of the checker nut, where thethread rod is shown in phantom for clarity.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembly, with portions shown incross-section, using an embodiment of the checker nut of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A checker nut 2 embodying the present invention is disclosed in FIG. 1.The checker nut 2 is shown tight against a standard anchor nut 4threaded to a threaded rod 6. The checker nut 2 is used as a stop toposition the nut 4 precisely on the rod 6; and as a lock to tighten thenut 4 on the rod 6. Where the nut 4 is to be embedded in concrete as ananchor, it is desired to maintain the position of the nut 4 along therod 6 and in relation to the edge of the concrete when the rod issecured in place or when the concrete is vibrated. The checker nut 2advantageously provides a fixed body against which the nut 4 can betightened, thus securing the anchor nut 2 in position.

The checker nut 2 may be made with plastic, metal or other suitablematerial. The checker nut 2 may be made with deformable and resilientmaterial wherein tension is developed within the checker nut 2 whentightened against the anchor nut 4 to help keep the checker nut 2 tightagainst the anchor nut 4, thereby keeping the anchor nut 4 securelypositioned in the threaded rod 6.

The checker nut 2 has an overall diameter larger than the overalldiameter of the anchor nut 2 or any anchor body that may be used inplace of the nut 2 for tightening or removal by hand. The largerdiameter advantageously provides leverage to the user in tightening thechecker nut 2 by hand against the anchor nut 4. The larger diameter alsoprovides for easier identification, color coding and visual inspection.

Although a standard hex nut 4 is disclosed, other types of nuts oranchor bodies may be used, such those disclosed in copending applicationSer. Nos. 12/656,624 and 12/656,623, herein incorporated by reference.The anchor nut 4 is meant to represent any type of anchor body when itis intended to be embedded in concrete or any threaded body required tobe positioned and locked in place on a threaded rod.

Referring to FIG. 2, the checker nut 2 includes a main body portion 8, aplurality of projections 10 radially extending from the main bodyportion 8, a plurality of female thread portions 12 and stop members 14.A substantially flat top surface 16 provides a bearing area againstwhich the nut 4 is tightened. The projections 10 extend beyond the outerperiphery of the anchor nut 4 to provide the user leverage in turningthe checker nut 2 to press and tightening the surface 16 against theanchor nut 4. A friction ring bead 18 projecting above the surface 16provides a locking engagement with the opposing face of the nut 4. Thefriction ring bead 18 is raised above the top surface 16 and provides acontour on the bearing surface 16. The ring bead 18 provides adeflection of material and spring like force to keep the anchor nut 4tight. The ring bead 18 presents a smaller confronting surface to thenut 4 for increased locking force. Accordingly, the bead 18advantageously provides a stay tight performance.

Referring to FIG. 3, channels 20 extend radially on the top surface 16,continue downwardly on the cylindrical surface 22 of the central opening24 and terminates at the stops 14. The channels 20 advantageouslyprovide a venting function for air and water that may be trapped in thespaces between the valleys of the threads and the cylindrical surface22. The horizontal portion of the channels 20 that run on the topsurface 16 communicates with slotted openings 26 that are orientedaxially and radially relative to the main body portion 8 (see FIG. 4).The openings 26 have parallel side walls 25 and curved end walls 27. Theopenings 26 are used for the nails, screws, tie-wires, etc. that may beemployed in securing the rod 6 to an adjacent structure.

The projections 10 are substantially trapezoidal in plan view (see FIG.4), providing wedge shaped spaces 28 between adjacent projections 10 foraccommodating the user's fingers in facilitating the turning of thechecker nut 2. The number of the projections 10 is advantageouslyequated to the diameter or the thread pitch of the rod 6. For example,nine projections 10 means an R9 threaded rod, which is 1⅛ in. dia. rod(1⅛ in. equals 9*⅛). The number of projections 10 may also be equated tothe thread pitch or the number of threads per inch of the rod 6. Thenumber of projections 10 thus provides an indicator of the size of therod 6, the thread pitch or the number of threads per inch of the rod 6.It follows that the number of the projections also provides an indicatorof the thread pitch or the number of threads per inch of the femalethread portions 12.

It follows that the number of the projections also provides an indicatorof the thread pitch or the number of threads per inch of the femalethread portions 12. The projections 10 are also substantially triangularin cross-section with apexes 30 forming a segmented circumference aroundthe main body portion 8. The apexes 30 present a smaller surface to theuser's hand for increased pressure per unit area to enable the user witha better gripping force on the checker nut 2. The top surface 16 of themain body portion 8 is preferably larger than the bearing surface of thenut 4 so that the projections 10 advantageously extend substantiallybeyond the periphery of the adjacent nut 4 for clear visual inspectionof the checker nut 2 and for ease of turning during installation.

The thread portions 12 together form one complete revolution. Gaps 32between thread portions 12 are advantageously disposed on thecylindrical surface 22 where the vertical portions of the channels 20run so as not to interfere with the venting function of the channels 20.Three thread portions 12 are disclosed, but it should be understood thata different number would be just as applicable. The thread portions 12extend from the cylindrical surface 22 and mate with the threads on therod 6. The checker nut 2 may be color coded to indicate thread type ofthe threads 12 or size of the rod 6.

Each stop member 14 is a projection that extends radially into theopening 24 at the bottom of the main body portion 8. The stop 14 has atop surface 34 that confronts the bottom radial surface of the rod 6.The stops 14 position the checker nut 2 at the right location relativeto the rod 6. This in turn allows the anchor nut 4 to be positioned atthe precise location. Each stop member 14 is preferably positioned atthe same level at the bottom end of the cylindrical surface 22.

The vertical or axial distance 35 on the cylindrical surface 22 betweenthe stop member 14 and the thread portion 12 may be configured to setthe desired portion (less than one revolution) or number of threads thatthe anchor nut 4 is desired to pass through (the number of threads thatextend outside the anchor nut). If a requirement is to have three treadscompletely through the anchor nut 4, the thickness of the main bodyportion 8 may be adjusted to accommodate the required number of threadswithin the distance 35. The thickness of the main body portion providesan indication of a number of threads contained within the thickness.Accordingly, the overall thickness of the checker nut 2 provides anindication of the number of threads engaged.

Referring to FIG. 4, the ring bead 18 may be replaced with radial beads36 to provide the same function. The beads 36 are raised above the topsurface 16 to provide a smaller confronting surface to the nut 4 forincreased locking force. The beads 36 are of a deflectable and springlike material to keep the nut 4 tight against the checker nut 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom of the main body portion 8 may behollow, providing cavities 38 that communicate with the respectiveopenings 26. The cavities 38 are configured such that any air bubblethat may be trapped within can escape through the openings 26. Thecavities 38 advantageously allow lesser material to be used and thuslesser weight for shipping and handling. It should be understood thatthe cavities 38 may be applied to the embodiments of the checker nutdisclosed herein. The checker nut 2 with the cavities 38 may be madewith deformable and resilient material to further facilitate thedeformation of the checker nut 2 when tightened against the anchor nut 2to create tension in the threaded rod 6 between the bearing surface 16and the thread 12 so as to better lock the anchor nut 4 in place.

Referring to FIG. 6, the stop members 14 may be replaced with asubstantially triangular stop member 40 that extends across the opening24. The stop member 40 includes radial arm portions 42 joined at thecentral portion 44. The radial arms 42 are preferably resilient or ableto flex to provide a spring like action against the bottom of the rod 6.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the top surface 16 is substantiallyflat, without the raised ring bead 8 or the radial beads 36. In additionto the resilient property of the stop member 40, the checker nut 2 maybe made of deformable and resilient material to further create tensionwithin the checker nut 2 when tightened against the anchor nut 4.

Referring to FIG. 7, the stop member 40 may be replaced with a stopmember 44 having four radial arms 46 joined at the central portion 48.The stop member 40 is substantially cross-shaped. The radial arms 46 arepreferably resilient or able to flex to provide a spring like actionagainst the bottom of the rod 6. From the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7,it is understood that the number of the arms that extend across theopening 26 may vary without detracting from the stop function theyprovide. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, although the bottom of themain body portion 8 is shown solid, it can also include the cavities 38shown in FIG. 5. In addition to the resilient property of the stopmember 44, the checker nut 2 may be made of deformable and resilientmaterial to further create tension within the checker nut 2 whentightened against the anchor nut 4.

It should be understood that the stop member 40 or 44 may be used in theother embodiments of the checker nut disclosed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, extended thread portions 50 substantiallyextend radially into the opening 24. The thread portions 50 each includean extension member 52 that places the actual threads 54 substantiallyaway from the cylindrical surface 22. The thread portions 50 and themembers 52 are flexible that provide a spring like opposite reactionwhen the nut 4 is tightened against the top surface 16. The members 52are configured to bend but with resistance in the direction of advanceof the nut 4 and has some spring characteristic to make the members 52want to return to their relaxed position. Accordingly, the checker nut 2becomes biased toward the nut 4 from the spring action of the members52. The entire checker nut 2 may be made of deformable and resilientmaterial to further create tension within the checker nut 2 whentightened against the anchor nut 4.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the checker nut 2 is provided withoutthe stop members 14 or their other embodiments. In this case, thechecker nut 2 is able to move past the end of the rod 6 for use in anapplication where the anchor nut 4 is required to be positioned furtheraway from the end of the rod 6.

Referring to FIG. 9, the thread portions 50 may be substantially onecontinuous turn thread 56 without gaps and overlap. The actual thread 58is substantially one continuous turn. The extending member 60 is alsosubstantially one continuous turn.

It should be understood that the extended thread portion 50 or 56 may beused in the other embodiments of the checker nut disclosed herein.

In the embodiments shown with the stop members 14 shown in FIG. 2 ortheir alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the checker nut 2may be provided with a locking thread portion 58, as shown in FIG. 10,that is slightly offset or misaligned with the other thread portions 12so as to provide an interference fit, requiring relatively greater forcefor turning. In this manner, the checker nut shown can be securelylocated at any position along the length of the rod 6. The lockingthread portion 58 may also be applied in the embodiments shown in FIGS.7 and 9. The locking thread portion 58 allows the thread portions 12 totravel completely through with an increased amount of force required forrotation. The locking thread portion 58 is offset by a small amount soas to interfere with the other thread portions 12. The locking threadportion 58 is made by placing or making locking thread portion 58outside of tolerances allowed for a particular thread type or pitch.

Referring to FIG. 10, the vertical or axial distance 59 on thecylindrical surface 22 between the thread portion 12 and the top surface16 may be configured to set the desired portion (less than onerevolution) or number of threads that the anchor nut 4 is desired topass through (the portion or number of threads that extend outside theanchor nut). The number of thread required to pass through may be atleast one thread. If a requirement is to have three treads completelythrough the anchor nut 4, the location of the thread portions 12 on thecylindrical surface 22 may be adjusted so that the distance 59 wouldaccommodate the required number of threads. If the required number ofthreads are not present on the rod 6, the checker nut 2 will not engagethe rod 6. If the checker nut 2 is able to be secured to the rod 6, thenit provides a clear indication that the desired number of threads haspassed through the anchor nut 4.

Referring to FIG. 11, the stop member 44 is shown in combination withthe extended thread portions 50. Although not shown, it should beunderstood that the stop members 14 or the stop member 40 may be used inlieu of the stop member 44. Through holes 60 are provided on the topsurface 16 for securing the checker nut to an adjacent structure withscrews, tie-wires, nails, etc.

Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the checker nut is disclosedwherein the thickness of the main body portion 8 is configured toreceive more than one complete turn of the threads 62 above the stopmember 44. In cases where the end of the rod 6 may have been tapered,thereby losing some of the threads at the end, the anchor nut 4 may nothave the desired number of complete threads engaged. To prevent this,the checker nut is used to take up all of the damaged or tapered threadswithin its thicker body, thereby presenting only the good threads to theanchor nut 4. In this manner, a requirement that a specified number ofthreads, for example three, be contained in the nut 4 is assured.

Referring to FIG. 13, an application of the checker nut 2 is disclosed.The checker nut 2 is shown attached to the end of a reinforcement rod 64with threaded end portion 66. An anchor nut 68 is screwed tight againstthe checker nut 2. The holes 26 are used to tie the assembly with tiewires 70 to other reinforcement rods 72. The checker nut 2 holds theanchor nut 68 securely in place, lessening the possibility of gettingloosened when the concrete in which the reinforcement assembly is beingembedded is vibrated.

While this invention has been described as having preferred design, itis understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/oradaptations following in general the principle of the invention andincluding such departures from the present disclosure as come withinknown or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains,and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fallwithin the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A checker nut for locking a threaded body to a threaded rod,comprising: a) one-piece main body portion having a bearing surface forengaging a threaded body, the main body portion is configured to berotated about a threaded rod; b) radial projections extending from themain body portion; c) the main body portion including a central opening;d) a female thread disposed in the central opening of the main bodyportion, the female thread is configured to cooperate with threads onthe threaded rod; and e) the radial projections for extending beyond theouter periphery of the threaded body to be locked by the checker nut onthe threaded rod, the radial projections are configured to provideleverage to a user to tighten the bearing surface against the threadedbody when the main body portion is rotated about the threaded rod.
 2. Achecker nut as in claim 1, wherein the radial projections formwedge-shaped spaces between adjacent radial projections.
 3. A checkernut as in claim 1, wherein the radial projections are triangular incross-section.
 4. A checker nut as in claim 1, wherein a total number ofthe radial projections is an indicator of a thread pitch of the femalethread or a diameter or a thread pitch of a rod to which the checker nutwill be threaded.
 5. A checker nut as in claim 1, wherein the main bodyportion and the radial projections are color coded to indicate a threadtype of the female thread or a size of the threaded rod to which thechecker nut will be threaded.
 6. A checker nut as in claim 1, whereinthe radial projections are trapezoidal in plan view.
 7. A checker nut asin claim 1, wherein: a) one of the radial projections includes a slot;and b) the main body portion includes a hollow bottom portion defining acavity that communicates with the slot.
 8. A checker nut as in claim 1,wherein a channel extends radially on the bearing surface and terminatesinto a slot in one of the radial projections.
 9. A checker nut as inclaim 1, wherein: a) a stop member is disposed at a bottom portion ofthe central opening; and b) the stop member extends radially inside thecentral opening.
 10. A checker nut as in claim 9, wherein the stopmember includes a top surface configured to engage a bottom surface ofthe threaded rod to which the checker nut is to be threaded.
 11. Achecker nut as in claim 9, wherein the stop member includes arms thatextend across the central opening.
 12. A checker nut as in claim 11,wherein the arms form a triangular shaped portion in plan view.
 13. Achecker nut as in claim 11, wherein the arms form a cross shapedportion.
 14. A checker nut as in claim 11, wherein the arms areresilient.
 15. A checker nut as in claim 1, wherein: a) the femalethread includes gaps to define thread portions separated by respectivegaps; and b) each of the thread portions includes an extension member toposition a respective thread portion substantially into the centralopening.
 16. A checker nut as in claim 15, wherein each extension memberis flexible.
 17. A checker nut as in claim 1, and further comprising alocking thread portion slightly misaligned with the female thread toprovide an interference fit.
 18. A checker nut as in claim 1, whereinthe bearing surface includes a ring.
 19. A checker nut as in claim 1,wherein the bearing surface includes radial beads.
 20. A checker nut asin claim 1, wherein the bearing surface is larger than a bearing surfaceof the threaded body to be locked against the checker nut when thechecker nut and the threaded body are threaded to a rod.
 21. A checkernut as in claim 1, wherein the female thread comprises one revolution.